PHEV variant to join BMW X3 range

BMW Australia will add the 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid to its X3 range from next year, priced from $102,500 plus on-road costs.

The new offering will become the third member of the line-up, joining the X3 20 xDrive and M50 xDrive. It will also become the fifth plug-in hybrid model in the BMW Australia fleet, alongside the X5 xDrive50e, M5 Sedan, M5 Touring and XM.

BMW will continue offering the fully electric iX3 in both M Sport and M Sport Pro grade levels.

The news means that in 2025 BMW will offer 21 electrified vehicles to the local market – the most of any manufacturer in Australia – and comes the same year the Federal Government will implement the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), where manufacturers must meet mandated CO2 emissions per kilometre figures across their fleets.

According to BMW Australia, the new X3 30e xDrive delivers a high level of efficiency while achieving notable performance.

It deploys the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid models, bringing together a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and high-voltage battery.

The latter is positioned flat in the vehicle floor and has a usable energy content of 19.7kWh, which, with optimised efficiency through intelligent energy management and adaptive recuperation, enables an electric range of up to 91km according to the ADR 81/02 test cycle.

BMW Australia says this marks a more than 50 per cent improvement on that of the previous model.

The high-voltage battery charges at 11kW (AC) as standard – nearly triple the rate of the first generation X3 30e xDrive – and supports both single-phase and three-phase charging.

The battery may be fully recharged from empty in two hours and 15 minutes – a reduction of 90 minutes on the recharging time of the outgoing model.

Total system output is rated at 220kW and 450Nm. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a model-specific eight-speed automatic transmission.

The BMW X3 30e xDrive can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 215km/h. It can also be driven in purely electric mode up to 140km/h.

Fuel consumption on the ADR Combined cycle is listed at just 1.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions 38g/km.

According to the manufacturer, enhancements have been made to “elevate the driving experience of the X3 30e xDrive” and to “the way it deploys power and consumes energy”.

The proactive energy management system has undergone notable improvement, with the most efficient operating mode now always selected as a function of the route profile and the battery’s charge level.

When Hybrid mode is activated, the combustion engine is started prior to joining a freeway to allow the driver to accelerate at full power and, at the same time, optimising the battery charge.

In Electric mode, the engine is completely disconnected from the drivetrain using a separating clutch in the transmission.

Stylistically, the newcomer is refreshed inside and out and boasts new technology and standard equipment.

For the local iteration, BMW will offer the new X3 30e xDrive as standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, a 1000-watt/six-speaker audio system, acoustic glazing, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive damping, auto tailgate, BMW Digital Premium (on a 90-day trial), BMW Iconic Glow illuminated grille, Live Cockpit Pro digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, and keyless entry and start.

Australian-delivered variants further include BMW’s Comfort Package including active seat ventilation, a heated steering wheel, luggage compartment net, privacy glass, first and second row seat hearing, and rear window sun blinds.

Further inclusions see the generously equipped variant fitted with BMW’s semi-autonomous Driving Assistant Professional (steering and lane control, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality, and blind spot monitor), digital radio reception, electric front seat adjustment, head-up display, Anthracite headlining, M Sport braking, M Sport steering wheel, anti-dazzle mirrors, Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables, self-parking technology with 360-degree camera system, a fixed glass roof, tyre pressure monitoring, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and wireless phone charging pad.

Optionally, BMW Australia will offer the X3 30e xDrive with its $4000 Enhancement Pack (metallic paint, alarm, and harman/kardon surround sound system), $2000 M Sport Pro pack (M high-gloss Shadow Line garnishing, painted brake callipers, and M seatbelts), and a $2200 tow hitch with 2200kg capacity and 200kg tow ball limit.

Exterior finishes include Alpine White as standard, Black Sapphire, Arctic Race Blue, Sophisto Grey, Dune Grey, M Brooklyn Grey or Fire Red metallic hues as a $2000 option, or BMW Individual hue Tanzanite Blue as a $4000 option.

BMW offers 21-inch M Jet Black alloy wheels as a $2500 option.

Moving inside we find Veganza upholstery available in a choice of Black, Calm Beige, Espresso Brown, or M Alcantara/Veganza combination as no-cost options. BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery is offered as a $4000 option in Black/Atlas Grey or Amber/Atlas Grey.

Interior garnishing extends to fine brushed aluminium or Magnolia wood print, while a knitted textile instrument binnacle and matching door card uppers is available as a $1200 option.

2025 BMW X3 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.